U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages by midday Saturday or risk the collapse of the current ceasefire. Trump made this declaration during an Oval Office briefing, signaling that failure to comply could result in severe military action.
A Deadline with High Stakes
Trump expressed frustration over Hamas’s decision to halt further hostage releases and made it clear that if all captives are not returned by the deadline, the ceasefire should be scrapped.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I’d say cancel it and let hell break out,” Trump said. “We want them all back.”
He also stated that he would consider withholding U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict. Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss this issue.
Gaza’s Future: Trump’s Controversial Proposal
Trump’s comments come amid widespread controversy surrounding his proposal for the future of Gaza. He suggested relocating Palestinians and allowing the U.S. to redevelop the region into what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” According to Trump, Gaza’s destruction will take years to rebuild, making relocation a necessity.
However, his statements contradict earlier U.S. assurances that any displacement would be temporary. In a Fox News interview, Trump firmly stated that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza, arguing that they would have “much better housing” elsewhere.
Backlash and Global Reactions
Trump’s idea of resettling Palestinians has sparked outrage. Arab states, human rights groups, and the United Nations have condemned the proposal, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri labeled Trump’s remarks “irresponsible” and warned that such plans could ignite further conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to take a different stance, suggesting that displaced Palestinians could eventually return to Gaza after reconstruction. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s position, stating that Palestinians would need to live elsewhere “in the interim.”
A Fragile Ceasefire at Risk
Tensions remain high as Hamas has announced it will no longer release hostages due to alleged Israeli violations of the agreement. With Trump pushing for harsher measures, there is growing concern that the ceasefire could collapse entirely, leading to renewed violence.
As the Saturday deadline approaches, all eyes are on Hamas and Israel. Will the hostages be freed, or will Trump’s warning turn into action?
Stay updated as this critical situation unfolds.
